Lughnasadh

Also known as: Lughnasa, Bilberry Sunday, Crom Dubh, Garland Sunday, Mountain Sunday
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Lughna-what?

Lughnasadh, also known as the Festival of Lugh, is a celebration of the first harvest of the year and is one of the oldest and most important festivals in the Celtic calendar.
This annual event is all about paying tribute to the god of the harvest, Lugh, and giving thanks for the bountiful crops that will sustain us through the winter.
This festival also marks the beginning of the preparations for the cold seasons.

When? Where?

Lughnasadh takes place on August 1st or the first Sunday in August in the Northern Hemisphere and February 1st or the first Sunday in February in the Southern Hemisphere.
This timing was chosen because it marks the time when the first crops of the year were being harvested and celebrated, so it’s easy to see why this date has remained so important over the centuries.

The origin of Lughnasadh can be traced back to the ancient Celtic deity, Lugh.

Lugh was a god of many talents, including agriculture, crafts, and the harvest.
Lugh is unique in that he’s not just a deity of the harvest, but of all the skills and trades.  Lugh was said to be a skilled craftsman, a wise leader, and a fierce warrior. He used his many talents to protect his people and defeated the fierce Balor of the Evil Eye, ensuring a bountiful harvest for the people of Ireland.
This makes Lugh different from other harvest deities, as he represents not just the abundance of the harvest, but the hard work and ingenuity that goes into producing it

Lughnasadh has many similarities with other harvest festivals around the world, such as Thanksgiving, Lammas or Opsiconsiva. These celebrations all have a common theme of giving thanks for the harvest and preparing for the coming winter months.

So why celebrate Lughnasadh?

It’s a time to come together with friends and family to give thanks for the blessings of the harvest and to prepare for the coming winter.
It’s also a time to reflect on the importance of agriculture and to remember the sacrifices made by our ancestors to cultivate the land and provide for their families.

In preparation for Lughnasadh, one could spend time reflecting on the year so far and setting goals for the future.
This could involve creating a vision board, making a list of things you’re grateful for, or simply spending time in nature. It’s also a good idea to stock up on food and supplies, in preparation for the coming winter months.
For the creative people, work on your festival garments and make a little corn doll if there is a wicker ritual.

How to celebrate:

Lughnasadh celebrations can take many forms, from a small gathering with friends and family, to a larger community event.
Some communities hold festivals with food, music, and games, while others may choose to spend time in nature, taking in the beauty of the changing season.
Some people choose to participate in traditional rituals and celebrations, such as making corn dollies.
Others might prefer to spend the day in nature, gathering with friends and family for a picnic or a hike in the countryside.
And of course, there are also plenty of fun experiments to try, such as making your own cider or brewing a batch of traditional mead.

If you don’t want to celebrate Lughnasadh, you can just enjoy a nice cup of tea.

Be safe and happy:

When it comes to safety tips, it’s important to remember that Lughnasadh is a time to give thanks and to celebrate, not a time to get wild and crazy. This means being mindful of your alcohol consumption, making sure to hydrate, and taking steps to protect yourself and others.

So embrace the spirit of the season and get ready to celebrate the Festival of Lugh with friends, family, and a cornucopia of humor!
Whether you’re toasting the harvest with a glass of cider or soaking up the autumn sun on a hike, remember that Lughnasadh is a time to celebrate the bounty of the land and the blessings of the season.

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Lugh, many-skilled one,
I ask you to shine upon me.
Share your gifts with me,
and make me strong in skill.